The Perfect Weekend in the Laurel Highlands Itinerary

Welcome to one of Pennsylvania’s best-kept secrets: the Laurel Highlands, a region brimming with waterfalls, rivers, mountain towns, Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture, and more – all just an hour’s drive from Pittsburgh or five-ish from New York City. I had the chance to explore this incredible region in depth thanks to Visit PA. Here’s the perfect 3-day itinerary to cover all the must-see spots in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands.

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Laurel Highlands Weekend Itinerary

We stayed in the gorgeous town of Ohiopyle, named as one of the best small towns in the Northeast USA by USA Today. Ohiopyle is the perfect launching pad, as it’s literally steps from major highlights – so once you’re in town, you don’t need a car. You can walk around to the bars, the waterfalls, biking trails, cafes, and even launch a raft from the Youghiogheny River here. We stayed at Ohiopyle Suites, perfectly situated steps from everything, and just across the street from Ohiopyle Coffee Company for your morning coffee.

DAY ONE: Laurel Caverns & The Great Allegheny Passage

Laurel Caverns: The Biggest Cave in Pennsylvania

A waterfall lit with colorful lights inside Laurel Caverns in Pennsylvania.

A person walking inside sandstone passages in Laurel Caverns in Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania.

Laurel Caverns isn’t just Pennsylvania’s largest cave system, but also one of the largest sandstone caves in the world. Some of the passageways soar up to 50 feet tall and span over a dozen feet across, making the whole place feel like a natural underground cathedral (which might be why some people get married down there)!

Archaeological evidence of arrowheads point to Native Americans being the first to discover this natural wonder. Today, it’s lovingly maintained by physicist, author, and philosopher David Cale – a true polymath who is working on donating the caverns to become Pennsylvania’s 125th State Park! Ensuring conservation efforts for generations to come.

Visitors can explore the caverns in a variety of ways, from classic guided walking tours to heart-pumping almost full-day caving experiences.

The traditional tour ($18) lasts 45 minutes and then you have free time to explore self-guided trails. They don’t require any gear or reservations. Just wear comfy shoes and a light jacket (it’s a steady 52°F down there, year-round). After a short orientation, you’ll walk about 600 feet over the trails and continue with a self-guided tour. Check their other tours here. For a slower-paced activity, you can pan for gemstones here.

Just keep in mind, the cave closes in winter to become the largest bat sanctuary in the Northeast, offering hundreds of bats a safe, undisturbed place to hibernate.

E-Bike the Great Allegheny Passage

A woman on a bike pointing on a river in Laurel Highlands Pennsylvania.

The river and hills of Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania.

If you’re craving a scenic adventure, rent an e-bike and hit the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP). This car-free trail stretches 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington DC! Built along old railroad corridors and historic trade routes, the GAP is known for its peaceful, level terrain which winds through the Laurel Highlands’ Ohiopyle State Park and charming trail towns. Along the way, you can ride past waterfalls, epic mountain views, farmland, roaring river rapids, and landmarks of America’s industrial boom like the Big Savage Tunnel and Keystone Viaduct, among much more.

In Ohiopyle, you can rent both standard bikes and e-bikes from White Water Adventurers, located right in town. I loved that their e-bikes have a throttle, giving you a boost to cover more ground.

What makes the GAP so unforgettable isn’t just the views, it’s the story behind it. The trail owes much of its transformation to the vision of the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy, which stitched together and revived forgotten railways and overgrown paths.

And the best part? No traffic, no engines, just the hum of your wheels and the rush of the Youghiogheny River beside you.

Both the trail and White Water Adventures are right in the downtown, steps from where we stayed at Ohiopyle Suites.

Day 2: Rafting, Waterfalls & Hiking Ohiopyle State Park

White Water Rafting

A woman standing near rafting boats and holding a paddle by a river at Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania. — White Water Adventures

Ohiopyle State Park’s Youghiogheny River (say it: Yok-uh-gey-nee) offers one of the best places on the East Coast for white water rafting of all levels. The river cuts through gorgeous mountainous landscapes, forested gorges and rocky terrain. It’s part of the mighty Mississippi River watershed and has deep roots in both Native American heritage and early American history.

I went with White Water Adventurers, and I have to say they made the experience all the more enjoyable because you feel so prepped and safe with their team of experienced pros. From a pre-rafting instructional presentation to having several safety guards in place, including Andy, who zoomed circles around us on his green banana boat to ensure everyone was OK along the way, to our raft captain Matt, who communicated everything thoroughly and clearly without sugarcoating, ensuring both expectations and instructions were in sync. We did the intermediate (Lower River), which after heavy rains, included a mix of slow waves and tall waves that felt like we were defying gravity.

You can raft through three sections of the river, offering its own level of splash and scenery:

The Lower Yough keeps things adventurous with bouncy Class II, III, and up to IV rapids.
Middle Yough is chill, perfect for younger kids or laid-back floaters.
For advanced rafters chasing adrenaline, the Upper Yough brings the challenge.

Remember, though, that the currents can change depending on recent weather. For instance, if it’s been raining a lot, the current will be stronger and the waves bigger (and vice versa).

Fun fact: “Youghiogheny” is an Algonquin word, which means “a stream flowing in a contrary direction.” It flows north, which is super rare! Over the centuries, this river has witnessed frontier battles, launched Lewis & Clark’s boats, and powered industrial growth.

Waterfalls & Hikes

A woman standing in front of a waterfall in a forest of Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania. — Cucumber Falls

A woman standing on the rocks above a river water slide in Laurel Highlands Pennsylvania. — Cucumber Falls

For waterfall chasers and leaf peepers alike, the Great Gorge Trail encompasses some of the biggest highlights of Ohiopyle State Park. This moderate 5-mile round-trip trail (with shorter variations) takes you to Cucumber Falls, Meadow Run Natural Water Slides, Ohiopyle Waterfalls, and even Baughman Rock.

The biggest showstopper is Cucumber Falls, a dreamy 30-foot waterfall that crashes into a shaded glen. You can swim here and even walk behind the waterfall.

Don’t want to hike? You can drive to each highlight. Parking areas are all available near Meadow Run, Ohiopyle Falls, and Baughman Rock Overlook. That means you park and walk a few minutes for the best views if you’re short on time or just want an easier stroll.

Day 3: Fallingwater & Polymath + Dining in TreeTops

Fallingwater Architectural Tour

A building standing above a waterfall and surrounded by the forest in Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site features Frank Lloyd Wright’s most iconic masterpiece: Fallingwater, a home built on natural rock with a waterfall flowing through it. Also a National Historic Landmark, this is one of the purest examples of Wright’s belief that homes should blend into nature, not compete with it. He called it ‘organic architecture.’ Inside, the rooms are intimate and low-slung, anchored by quarried stone.

Visitors can take guided architectural tours with stories about Wright’s radical ideas, the Kaufmann family (who commissioned the home), and the stunning collection of art and furnishings inside. Several tours are available, including a standard tour ($39), a deeper in-depth tour ($89), and a luxurious private focus tour that includes exclusive access and a meal on the Pottery Terrace ($2,500).

Today, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy keeps Fallingwater open to the public and beautifully preserved. If you’re even a little curious about design, nature, or the work of one of the most famous American architects in the world, this place is a must.

Polymath Park & TreeTops Dinner

A woman sitting on a bed reading a book inside a wooden bedroom. — Mäntylä

A woman standing on a wooden structure with pods in a forest in Pennsylvania. — Mäntylä

Polymath Park offers something rare: a chance to walk through the living legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentice Peter Berndtson. The park features four historic homes: two by Wright, including the serene Mäntylä House (pictured above), and two by Berndtson, whose work carries forward Wright’s vision of organic architecture, where buildings feel like an extension of the land itself. The name “Polymath” is a nod to Wright’s own many talents, not just as an architect, but as a designer, educator, and creative force. The family behind Polymath Park has spent years moving and restoring these architectural gems, keeping the architects’ legacies alive.

This same family created the tree house dinner experience at the award-winning TreeTops Restaurant, the park’s signature experience, blending architectural exploration with a woodland fine dining escape.

Guests can begin with a guided tour of Duncan House and Mäntylä, gaining insight into the design philosophy behind these extraordinary homes. Afterward, a five-course gourmet meal awaits you at the award-winning TreeTops restaurants, a private and open-air treehouse dining pod. Enjoy a delicious meal made with seasonal ingredients, all while taking in peaceful forest views.

Laurel Highlands Hotels

Treehouse vibes, rustic cabins, or full-on luxury! Whatever your travel style, the Laurel Highlands delivers. Here are just a few:

Ohiopyle Suites: Steps from waterfalls, bike trails, and whitewater rafting, this laid-back cabin-style apartment puts you right in the heart of Ohiopyle, PA. After a day on the river, go to the fire pit, grill up dinner with friends, or catch golden hour over the Yough. Choose from cozy studio rooms or larger condo-style units. Book your stay here.
Polymath Park: Tucked deep in the woods of the Laurel Highlands, you get the chance to stay overnight in the iconic designs of Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentice. You can choose from four beautifully restored homes: Mäntylä (pictured above), Duncan House, Balter House, and Blum House.
Nemacolin: Want to splurge? Nemacolin offers a luxurious resort-like escape in the Laurel Highlands. With three distinct hotels, private estates, a world-class spa, fine dining, and even an off-road driving course, this 2,200-acre resort is basically a choose-your-own-adventure playground. Plus, it’s just an 8-minute drive from Ohiopyle State Park. Book your stay here.
Courtyard Pittsburgh Greensburg (Marriott): Clean, comfy, and super convenient, this Marriott makes a great home base if you’re on your way out/into the region, especially by train. It’s also got all the major stores like Target and Walmart. Book your stay here.

How to Get to the Laurel Highlands

If you’re flying into Pittsburgh, rent a car at the airport. I loved using Alamo. It’s fast, easy, and all online. There’s also an Amtrak train from NYC and Pittsburgh that arrives in Greensburg (one of the gateways to the Laurel Highlands). Here are the closest cities to the Laurel Highlands region:

4 hours from Philadelphia
3 hours from Baltimore
5 hours from NYC
1 hour from Pittsburgh

I truly loved my time in the Laurel Highlands. The people were so friendly. The nature was gorgeous. And the outdoor experiences here are unmatched. Hope this inspired you to visit PA and that this itinerary helps you plan your own perfect weekend getaway.